Opposition team meets Governor: Anger and sense of alienation to be addressed

KalimNews, Imphal, 230 July 2023 : A delegation of 21 Opposition MPs led by Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury of INC, called on Hon’ble Governor of Manipur, Miss Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan and apprised of the prevailing situation in Manipur. 

The delegation who are on a two days visit to Manipur landed Imphal yesterday and visited various relief camps in Churachandpur, Bishnupur and Imphal districts where they met the violence affected people. 

Shri Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury while apprising the Governor of how the people in relief camps have been staying, said, people are in pain and sorrow and feeling of depression and fear is also common in their minds. Almost all sections of society including women, children and students are affected and it is high time to take concrete steps to end the ongoing conflict. It is not only a problem of law and order but an ethnic conflict which needs special attention and therefore, an appropriate step to end the conflict and to remove hatred among the communities have to be initiated to restore peace and normalcy in the State. 

The delegates submitted a memorandum to the Hon’ble Governor and requested to restore peace and harmony by taking all effective measures where justice should be the cornerstone. In order to bring peace and harmony, rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons is most urgent, they said. 

Hon’ble Governor welcomed the team for their visit to Manipur and appreciated their efforts for the restoration of peace and normalcy. Governor informed them that she is fully aware of the problems faced by the people consequent upon her visit to different relief camps in both the hills and valley districts. 

Both the Central and State governments are making relentless efforts to contain the situation and bring peace and normalcy at the earliest possible time and security forces are also equally discharging their responsibilities to save the people. 

She said, to bridge the mistrust between the two communities, hatred among the communities has to be removed and therefore all stakeholders should work in this direction peacefully. Governor made an appeal to the delegates to extend their fullest cooperation to restore peace and tranquility through a peaceful dialogue with the representatives of Civil Society organisations of both the communities to maintain status quo ante of aged old tradition of peaceful co-existence.

The memorandum submitted to the Governor stated that on a mission of on the spot assessment of the situation prevailing in Manipur in the wake of ethnic violence taking place in the state since the 3rd May, 2023, the team of 21members of INDIA visited relief camps at Churachandpur. Moirang and Imphal, and interacted with the victims/inmates in the relief camps. 

The team is indeed, very shocked and sad to hear the stories of anxieties. uncertainties. pains and sorrows of the individuals affected by the unprecedented violence unleashed by both sides since the beginning of the clashes. There is an anger and a sense of alienation amongst all communities, which has to be addressed without delay.

It stated that the failure of both the Central and state government to protect the lives and properties of the people of the two communities is apparent from the figures or more than 140 deaths. more than 500 injuries, homing of more than 5000 houses and internal displacement of more than 60,000 people. From the reports of incessant firing and arson of houses in the last few days, it is established beyond doubt that the state machineries has completely failed to control the situation for the last almost three months. 

It further stated that the condition in the relief camps is pathetic is to say the least. Special care needs to be taken for the kids on a priority basis. Students from different streams are facing uncertain future. which has to be the priority of the state and the Union governments. The continued internet ban for the last three months is aiding to the unsubstantiated rumours. which is adding to the existing mistrust. Silence of Prime Minister shows his brazen indifference to the violence in Manipur.

It also added that the team earnestly requests to restore peace and harmony taking all effective measures. where justice should be the cornerstone. In order to bring peace and harmony. rehabilitation and resettlement of the affected persons is most urgent. Lastly it added that the Governor is also requested to apprise the Union Government of the complete breakdown of law and order in Manipur for the last 89 days so as to enable them to intervene in the precarious situation in Manipur to restore peace and normalcy.